KSU 1st Brigade Meeting Notes

1
KSU/ 1st Brigade Meeting Notes

• 20FEB08

2
Ethnic Groups
3
The Pashtun Belt
Bajauri
Mahmund
Safi
Qaleh-e Now
Farmuli
Kabul
Utman Khel
Momand
Herat
Wardaki
Chaghcharan
Afridi
Shinwiri
Gurbaz Waziri
Turi
Ahmadzai
Makhbil
Chakmal
Nurzai
Achakzai
Zadran
Mangal
Khowstwal
Jaji
Tani
Barakzai
Andar
Nasir
Kharoti
Alizai
Bhittani
Mohammadzai
Taraki
Tokhi
Sulaiman Khel
Alikhel
Nurzai
Popolzai
Paktika
Hotaki
Ishakzai
Alizai
Barakzai
Alikozai
Qandahar
Kakar
Achakzai
Turan
Nurzai
Durrani Ghilzai Independent
Chaman
Quetta
Barachi
4
Languages
30 Languages Dialects
Uzbeki, Turkmani
Tajik
Dari (66)
Pashto Dari Uzbeki Tukmani Balochi Nuristani Pasha
i Orguzi
Pashto (27)
Balochi
5
Pashtun (Pathan)

• 42 of Population
• Ethnic Majority
• Caucasians
• Fierce Warriors
• Sunni

Pashtunwali Code 1) badal - the right of blood
feuds or revenge 2) nunawati - the right of a
fugitive to seek refuge 3) melmastya -
hospitality and protection to every guest 4)
isteqamat persistence 5) ghayrat - defense of
property and honor 6) mamus - defense of ones
female relatives
6
Tajiks

• Tajik as a Label
• Lack of Cohesion
• Not Tribal
• ID by Geography
• Mountain Tajiks
• Urban Tajiks
• Western Tajiks
• Backbone of Northern Alliance

7
Uzbeks

• Turkic origin with Persian Mongol influence
• Dominate in arable North-Central Afghanistan
• Suspicious of central government
• Traditionally dominated by Pashtuns Tajiks
• Uzbeks have never had position of high authority
• Member of Northern Alliance
• Not natural allies of Tajiks or Hazaras
• Afghan Uzbeks speak southern Uzbek
• Turkic language from Ural-Altaic family
• Inclusion of Persian words
• Uses Arabic script
• Many Urbanized educated Uzbeks also speak Dari

8
Hazaras

• Descent from soldiers of Genghis Khan (19 of
  population)
• Distinctive facial features
• Religion minority Shiite Muslims (same as Iran)
• Speak Hazaragi (differentiated from Dari by words
  of Mongol origin)

One Thousand or Discarded Est. 10 Population
of Afghanistan Hazarajat Shiite Muslims
9
Etiquette

• Use Islamic Etiquette
• Eat only with right hand
• Food sometimes eaten from common dish
• Sit cross-legged (Watch soles of feet)
• Do not step on table cloth
• Other Dos Donts
• Dont point with finger
• Do ask permission to photograph
• Elders get extra respect
• Allow through doors served food first
• Modest reserved conduct expected
• Greeting
• Handshake
• Younger greets older initiates conversation
• Warning ! Do Not compliment females
• Small comfort zone when talking

10
Culture - Greetings

• Greetings
• A smile, nod, and greeting
• Same sex kissing is common
• Hand shakes
• Soft and gentle
• May place hand on heart
• Wait for the individual to initiate
• Small comfort zone when talking

11
Culture

• Gestures, Mannerisms, Taboos
• No pointing
• No Thumbs-up, OK
• Feet
• Heads
• The Left Hand
• Shame
• Profanity
• Animals No dogs, Yes cats
• Other discouraged activities
• discussing religion politics, ogling women,
  rushing, refusals

12
Culture - Hospitality

• A cherished tradition
• Being unwelcome is disrespect
• Will provide their best
• Gender segregation
• May perceive Americans as anti-social

13
Culture - Business

• Prefer to know someone before making commitment
• Tea first
• Multiple attendees
• Mood dictates pace
• Allow time for prayer